Easter Poke Cake

This Easter, our family gathering was made even brighter, not just by the sunshine and laughter, but by the vibrant colors and delightful flavors of this Easter Poke Cake. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect the first time I made it. Poke cakes sounded intriguing, but would it really be as good as everyone said? Let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations! The moist, tender cake soaked with sweet, creamy pudding, topped with a cloud of whipped cream and festive sprinkles – it was a symphony of textures and tastes. The kids were absolutely mesmerized by the colorful swirls, and even the adults couldn’t resist a second slice. It was the perfect centerpiece for our Easter dessert table, and the best part? It was incredibly easy to make! If you’re looking for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s also a breeze to prepare, look no further than this Easter Poke Cake. It’s become a new family tradition, and I’m so excited to share the recipe with you so you can bring a burst of spring joy to your own celebrations.

Ingredients

• Yellow Cake Mix: (1 box, 15.25 oz) – The base of our cake, providing a light and fluffy texture that perfectly soaks up the pudding. You can also use white or vanilla cake mix for a similar result.
• Eggs: (3 large) – Bind the ingredients together, adding richness and structure to the cake. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
• Vegetable Oil: (½ cup) – Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, ensuring it stays soft and delicious. You can substitute with canola oil or melted coconut oil.
• Water: (1 cup) – Hydrates the cake mix and helps to create the perfect batter consistency.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: (1 box, 3.4 oz) – The secret to the “poke” in poke cake! This creates a creamy, flavorful filling that seeps into the holes, making every bite incredibly moist. Vanilla is classic, but you can experiment with other flavors like white chocolate or coconut.
• Milk: (2 cups) – Used to prepare the instant pudding, creating a smooth and pourable consistency. Whole milk will give the richest flavor, but 2% or even non-dairy milk alternatives will work.
• Whipped Topping: (1 container, 8 oz) – The light and airy frosting that blankets the cake. It’s the perfect canvas for our Easter decorations and adds a touch of sweetness without being overly heavy. Make sure it is thawed if frozen.
• Food Coloring: (Gel or liquid, assorted Easter colors) – This is where the Easter magic happens! Choose your favorite pastel shades like pink, blue, yellow, green, and purple to create vibrant swirls in the pudding. Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so start with a small amount.
• Easter Sprinkles: (Assorted shapes and colors) – The final flourish! Sprinkles add texture, visual appeal, and festive cheer. Look for Easter-themed sprinkles with bunnies, eggs, and pastel colors to complete the look.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can use baking spray with flour for a non-stick finish. This ensures your cake releases easily after baking.
2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined, then increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the cake should spring back lightly when touched.
4. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up slightly before you poke holes in it, preventing it from crumbling. It’s crucial to let it cool enough so the pudding doesn’t melt the cake excessively.
5. Prepare Pudding: While the cake is cooling, prepare the instant vanilla pudding according to package directions. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Let it sit for a few minutes to fully set up slightly.
6. Poke Holes: Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go almost all the way down to the bottom of the pan. The more holes you poke, the more pudding will soak into the cake, resulting in a moister final product.
7. Color the Pudding: Divide the prepared pudding into several small bowls, depending on how many colors you want to use. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and stir until you achieve your desired pastel shades. Start with a small amount of food coloring and add more gradually to reach the perfect Easter hues.
8. Pour Pudding: Carefully pour the colored pudding over the poked holes in the cake. Alternate colors for a visually appealing marbled effect. Gently spread the pudding with a spatula to ensure it seeps into all the holes and covers the entire surface of the cake. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of pudding – the cake will absorb it.
9. Frost and Decorate: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the pudding-soaked cake. Use a spatula or knife to create smooth swirls or peaks in the whipped topping for a decorative touch. Immediately sprinkle generously with Easter sprinkles while the whipped topping is still soft so they adhere well.
10. Chill: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld together, resulting in the best taste and texture. This step is essential for achieving the signature moistness of a poke cake.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximately 1/12 of cake. Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of the 9×13 inch cake) – This recipe is designed to serve a crowd, making it perfect for Easter gatherings and potlucks.
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving – A delicious treat, but best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Calories can vary depending on the specific cake mix, pudding, and whipped topping used.
• Sugar: Approximately 40-50 grams of sugar per serving – This dessert is sweet due to the cake mix, pudding, and whipped topping. Be mindful of sugar intake if you are watching your sugar consumption.
• Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams of fat per serving – Includes both saturated and unsaturated fats from the oil, eggs, and whipped topping.
• Sodium: Approximately 300-400 mg of sodium per serving – Sodium content comes primarily from the cake mix and pudding mix.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes – This includes mixing the cake batter and preparing the pudding. The recipe is quick and easy to assemble, making it perfect for busy bakers.
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes – The cake bakes to golden perfection in a standard oven. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent overbaking.
• Cooling Time: 15-20 minutes (cake) + 2-3 hours (chilling in refrigerator) – Allowing the cake to cool slightly before poking holes and then chilling in the refrigerator is crucial for the texture and flavor of the poke cake.
• Total Time: Approximately 3-4 hours (including chilling time) – While the active prep and bake time is relatively short, remember to factor in the chilling time for the best results. This cake is ideal to prepare ahead of time.

How to Serve

• Chilled: Easter Poke Cake is best served chilled straight from the refrigerator. This enhances the moistness and allows the flavors to fully develop.
• With Fresh Fruit: Complement the sweetness of the cake with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the fruit provides a lovely contrast.
• With a Dollop of Extra Whipped Cream: For an even richer experience, serve each slice with an extra dollop of whipped cream or homemade whipped cream.
• As Part of a Dessert Bar: Include Easter Poke Cake as a centerpiece in a dessert bar featuring other Easter treats like cookies, cupcakes, and candies.
• With a Sprinkle of Coconut: For added texture and a subtle coconut flavor, sprinkle toasted shredded coconut over the whipped topping before serving.
• Alongside Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of Easter Poke Cake with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, cut the cake into individual squares or use cookie cutters to create fun Easter shapes before serving.
• Outdoor Easter Celebration: This cake travels well and is perfect for outdoor Easter egg hunts or picnics. Just be sure to keep it chilled until serving if the weather is warm.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Easter Poke Cake

1. Cake Mix Variations: While yellow cake mix is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors like white, vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate cake mix for a different twist. Lemon cake with lemon pudding could be a bright and refreshing spring option.
2. Pudding Flavor Swaps: Vanilla pudding is versatile, but consider using other instant pudding flavors to complement your cake. White chocolate pudding, coconut cream pudding, or even pistachio pudding can add unique flavor profiles.
3. Make Ahead Magic: Easter Poke Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can bake the cake, poke the holes, and pour in the pudding up to 2 days in advance. Frost and decorate just before serving to keep the whipped topping fresh.
4. Storage Secrets: Store leftover Easter Poke Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious thanks to the pudding. Freezing is not recommended as the whipped topping and pudding texture may change.
5. Decorating Delights: Get creative with your decorations! Besides sprinkles, consider adding Easter candies like jelly beans, Cadbury Mini Eggs, or pastel-colored M&Ms. You can also use piping bags to create decorative swirls or borders with the whipped topping.
6. Gluten-Free Goodness: To make this cake gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your pudding mix and whipped topping are also certified gluten-free. Double-check all labels to be sure.
7. Vegan Version Possible: While traditionally not vegan, you can adapt this recipe using vegan cake mix, vegan pudding mix (check for vegan options or make homemade), and vegan whipped topping alternatives like coconut whipped cream or store-bought vegan whipped topping.
8. Double the Fun: Hosting a large Easter gathering? Easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger sheet pan (like a 12×18 inch pan) to serve a bigger crowd. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.

FAQ Section: Your Easter Poke Cake Questions Answered

Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix besides yellow?
A: Absolutely! White, vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate cake mix would work beautifully. Choose a flavor that complements the pudding and your desired taste profile. For a richer cake, try a butter yellow cake mix.

Q2: Can I make Easter Poke Cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, and it’s highly recommended! Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and the cake to become even moister. Prepare the cake and pudding layers up to 2 days in advance and frost it closer to serving time for the freshest whipped topping.

Q3: How should I store leftover Easter Poke Cake?
A: Store leftover poke cake covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. The cold temperature helps maintain the texture and prevents the whipped topping from melting.

Q4: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
A: Yes, homemade whipped cream would be a delicious upgrade! Just be aware that homemade whipped cream is generally less stable than store-bought whipped topping and may soften faster, especially if the cake is left at room temperature for an extended period. It’s best to add it closer to serving time if using homemade.

Q5: Can I use different flavors of instant pudding?
A: Absolutely! Get creative with pudding flavors. White chocolate, coconut cream, lemon, or even pistachio pudding can add unique and delicious variations. Consider pairing pudding flavors with complementary cake mixes for exciting flavor combinations.

Q6: Can I add fruit to the cake itself or the pudding?
A: While you can add fruit, it’s generally best to serve fresh fruit alongside the cake rather than incorporating it directly into the batter or pudding, as this can affect the texture and moisture of the poke cake. However, a thin layer of fruit preserves or jam under the pudding layer could be a subtle flavor enhancement.

Q7: What kind of sprinkles are best for Easter Poke Cake?
A: Use a variety of Easter-themed sprinkles! Look for pastel colors, bunny shapes, egg shapes, and a mix of jimmies, nonpareils, and sugar crystals for visual interest and texture. Choose sprinkles that complement your food coloring choices for a cohesive look.

Q8: Is Easter Poke Cake suitable for kids to help make?
A: Yes, definitely! Easter Poke Cake is a fun and easy recipe for kids to help with. They can assist with mixing the batter, poking holes (with supervision), pouring the colored pudding, and especially with decorating with sprinkles! It’s a great way to get them involved in Easter baking.

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